A Chimney Swift Tower was recently installed in the Exhibitat at Piedmont Park. The unveiling will take place on September 25. Photo by Dottie Head.

by Dottie Head, Director of Membership & Communications

Governor Nathan Deal recently signed a proclamation designating the month of September as the inaugural Georgia Grows Native for Birds Month. A collaborative effort between Atlanta Audubon Society, other Georgia Audubon chapters, and the Georgia Native Plant Society, Georgia Grows Native for Birds month celebrates Georgia’s native plants and raises awareness about the key role they play for birds and other wildlife.

Atlanta Audubon Society will be offering events throughout the month of September to highlight the harmonious relationship between native plants and birds, including:

Bird and Plant Walk, Sunday, September 9, 8:00 to 11:00 AMLand O Lakes section of Blue Heron Nature Preserve3931 Land O Lakes Drive, Atlanta, GA 30342Join Atlanta Audubon and the Georgia Native Plant Society for a Bird and Plant Walk at the Land O Lakes section of the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, where Atlanta Audubon has been restoring bird-friendly habitat to this formerly overgrown property. Guests will view the birds that inhabit this patch of land and learn more about the native plants that have been added to this landscape to benefit birds and other wildlife. This walk is free to attend, but registration is required on our website.

2018 Wildlife Sanctuary Tour, Saturday, September 15, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PMDecatur/DeKalb CountyThis year’s Wildlife Sanctuary Tour will feature six properties, including two public properties and four private homes, in Decatur/DeKalb County. Each property has been certified by Atlanta Audubon as a Wildlife Sanctuary because it provides four essential elements for attracting wildlife and birds: food sources (including at least 50% native plants), nesting sites, shelter, and water sources. Visitors will see a wide variety of native plants in a diversity of settings that attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Guests must provide their own transportation and travel between sites at their leisure. Private property addresses will be provided to those who purchase tickets in advance of the event. Tickets are $20 for Atlanta Audubon Members and $25 for non-members and are available at on our website.

Piedmont Park "Exhibitat" Public Unveiling and Chalk Art FestivalTuesday, September 25 Chalking Period, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PMExhibitat Unveiling, 6:30 to 9:00 PMThe “Exhibitat” unveiling will celebrate the completion of Atlanta Audubon’s native plant garden and Georgia's first Chimney Swift tower in the Piedmont Commons area in the northeast quadrant of Piedmont Park. During the day, participants in our Chalk Art Festival will complete 5’ x 5’ chalk art paintings in front of the "Exhibitat" in celebration of Georgia's native plants and animals. In the evening, we will officially unveil the project while enjoying food and drink. For more information, to register for the Chalk Festival, or to purchase tickets to the unveiling, please visit our website.

Fall Plant Sale with Chattahoochee Nature CenterFriday and Saturday, September 28 and 29 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both daysThis fall, Atlanta Audubon is excited to partner with Chattahoochee Nature Center and Georgia Native Plant Society to host native plant sales to expand habitat for birds. Sales will highlight berry-producing plants that help birds like the Wood Thrush put on enough weight to migrate across the Gulf of Mexico to wintering grounds in Central America. A limited number of berry producing plants that benefit the Wood Thrush and other migrants will be available for pre-sale on the Atlanta Audubon website beginning in August.

To read the full Georgia Grows Native for Birds Month Proclamation or to learn more about Georgia Grows Native for Birds Month events, please visit our website.

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Atlanta Audubon Society is a member-supported, 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to building places where birds and people thrive. We envision a conservation-minded and fully engaged Georgia where birds prosper, habitats flourish, and public understanding grows.